U.S. Navy veterans are blaming the Fukushima nuclear power plant meltdown for making them sick.

In March 2011, Jaime Plym (28) and Maurice Enis (25) were among the 5,000 sailors on board the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, both quartermasters whose job was to plot their ship's course.

Immediately after a massive earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, the navy diverted their ship from South Korea to Japan to provide aid. It was called Operation Tomodachi, reports CBS News.

For days, The Tokyo Electric Power Company, or TEPCO, told the world the Fukushima plant was under control. But in reality, three nuclear reactors were melting down, and radioactive gases were being released.

Enis has a lump that between his eyes, another in his jaw, and another lump on his thigh.

Plym reportedly developed gynecological issues.

Plym and Enis, who have completed their service with honourably discharges, say exposure to radiation from Fukushima has given them lasting ailments.

The duo is joining a federal lawsuit filed in southern California against TEPCO brought by fellow sailors who accuse the Japanese power company of giving out "false and misleading information" about Fukushima while being aware that the potential health risk was greater than its agents were reporting.

More than 115 sailors are signed up to be plaintiffs, seeking compensatory and punitive damages. (ANI)